Before Sid was vicious, a psycho, or serving up justice, he was a masked monster from the Valley of Death. He went by the name Lord Humongous, inspired by the Road Warrior/Mad Max movie. But in doing some research on this gimmick, I was surprised to learn that Sid wasn't the only wrestler to don the hockey mask and studded leather ring attire.

The monster appeared in the Continental Wrestling Association in 1984. Several wrestlers through the years played the character, but I'd say Sid was undoubtedly the most well known. Managers for Humongous included the likes of Jimmy Hart, Downtown Bruno (better known to WWE fans as Harvey Whippleman) and Sir Oliver Humperdink.

Jeff Van Camp was under the mask when Humongous was feuding with Jake "The Snake" Roberts in the Mid-South territory. This was right before Jake headed to the WWF, and I remember first hearing about Humongous at that time. The two were embroiled in an epic feud and it was covered by the Apter magazines. Reading those magazines is how I (and all fans) kept up with what was happening in other regions that weren't being broadcast on TV in their particular area.

Sid, Humongous, & Scott Hall

I also read about Humongous (played by Sid at this point) teaming up with a young Shane Douglas to win the CWA tag team titles. Other notables who wore the mask, include the man who eventually became Bull Buchanan and Sid's son Gunnar. In fact, a few years ago, Sid teamed with Humongous and Scott Hall at an event in my area, but I wasn't able to make it. I had no idea that the gimmick that started nearly 30 years ago is still being kept alive on the indy circuit.